Heather Mungin reviews the current Ambassador production of West Side Story
The iconic 50's-set musical retelling of Romeo and Juliet has never looked more striking than in Ambassador Theatre Group’s stunning revival, currently touring throughout the UK. A simplistic set reminiscent of back alley New York fire escapes is brought to life by its wonderfully clad cast. The Puerto Rican Sharks strut around the stage in brightly coloured suits of crimson red and canary yellow, their ladies sashaying beside them in equally as vivid flamenco-inspired dresses. In opposition to this, the Jets bring unrestrained American swagger in neutral, unembellished shades of white, grey, denim and khaki, accented by severe dashes of orange. It is a contrast that could have easily appeared heavy-handed, despite obvious differentiation of the groups being completely necessary, yet it is just restrained enough to work beautifully, especially in the mixed dance numbers between the two opposing gangs.
And the dancing is a story in itself. Complex, clever and completely sublime, the choreography is frequently breathtaking and elevates the musical into moments of pure magic. Even during the final, brutal acts of the story, where the choreography tells a much darker story, the dancers execute their craft so flawlessly it appears as effortless as breathing. Some fine individual performances further enhance the production; Javier Cid's Bernardo, the fiery leader of the Sharks, radiates a fierce masculine passion, while Djalenga Scott as Anita, Bernardo's lover and Maria's mentor and friend, undeniably ignites the stage every time she appears.
Despite its complete visual success, the show would only be tarnished were the songs, perhaps the most important component, a disappointment. Thankfully they are anything but, and the iconic music of West Side Story is performed and delivered almost without fault, with 'Tonight' and 'America' serving as particular highlights. Katie Hall’s voice is especially effective, its classical overtones exemplifying perfectly the innocent nature of the female protagonist, Maria.
Brutal where it must be, romantic when it is required, with barely restrained passion and the intensity of masculine competition filling all the gaps in-between, Ambassador Theatre Group’s revival of West Side Story is an unmitigated success.
And the dancing is a story in itself. Complex, clever and completely sublime, the choreography is frequently breathtaking and elevates the musical into moments of pure magic. Even during the final, brutal acts of the story, where the choreography tells a much darker story, the dancers execute their craft so flawlessly it appears as effortless as breathing. Some fine individual performances further enhance the production; Javier Cid's Bernardo, the fiery leader of the Sharks, radiates a fierce masculine passion, while Djalenga Scott as Anita, Bernardo's lover and Maria's mentor and friend, undeniably ignites the stage every time she appears.
Despite its complete visual success, the show would only be tarnished were the songs, perhaps the most important component, a disappointment. Thankfully they are anything but, and the iconic music of West Side Story is performed and delivered almost without fault, with 'Tonight' and 'America' serving as particular highlights. Katie Hall’s voice is especially effective, its classical overtones exemplifying perfectly the innocent nature of the female protagonist, Maria.
Brutal where it must be, romantic when it is required, with barely restrained passion and the intensity of masculine competition filling all the gaps in-between, Ambassador Theatre Group’s revival of West Side Story is an unmitigated success.